Study: 12 States Have Obesity Rate Higher Than 30 Percent

A shopper walks through Glasgow City centre on February 22, 2010 in Glasgow, Scotland. The Scottish government announced plans today to attempt the nationÂs obesity problem, after projected reports suggested nearly half the population could be classed as obese by 2030.

File photo of an obese person. (credit: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON (CBSDC/AP) — A new study indicates 12 states have an obesity rate higher than 30 percent.

Mississippi had the highest rate of obesity at 34.9 percent, while Colorado had the lowest rate at 20.7 percent. Twenty-six of the 30 states with the highest obesity rates are in the Midwest and the South. Illinois is ranked 29th with a 27.1 percent obesity rate.

The study comes from the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Trust for America’s Health Executive Director Jeffrey Levi says there’s a growing body of knowledge that makes healthier choices easier for Americans. However, he says very little is being invested in reducing obesity.

“Obesity has contributed to a stunning rise in chronic disease rates and health care costs. It is one of the biggest health crises the country has ever faced,” Levi said in a press release. “The good news is that we have a growing body of evidence and approaches that we know can help reduce obesity, improve nutrition and increase physical activity based on making healthier choices easier for Americans. The bad news is we’re not investing anywhere near what we need to in order to bend the obesity curve and see the returns in terms of health and savings.”

The 12 states with obesity rates higher than 30 percent include Mississippi, Louisiana, West Virginia, Alabama, Michigan, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Indiana, South Carolina, Kentucky and Texas.

“Our nation has made important inroads to creating healthier communities,” Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, said in the press release. “Some cities and states that have taken comprehensive action to address the epidemic are beginning to see declines in their obesity rates. But we need to expand and intensify our efforts. Investing in prevention today will mean a healthier tomorrow for our children.”